Bob Hope
Biography
Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope (May 29 1903 – July 27 2003) was an American comedian, actor and entertainer whose career spanned nearly eighty years. Born in the Eltham district of southeast London, he emigrated to the United States with his family at age four. Hope appeared in more than seventy short and feature films, starring in fifty‑four of them, and co‑starred with Bing Crosby in a seven‑film “Road to…” musical comedy series. He hosted the Academy Awards nineteen times, more than any other presenter, and also performed on stage, television and radio while authoring fourteen books. “Thanks for the Memory” served as his signature tune.
Career overview
Bob Hope's acting career spanned nearly 80 years, during which he appeared in more than 70 short and feature films. He starred in 54 of these films, including a series of seven musical comedy films with a top-billed partner.
These films showcased Hope's versatility as a performer, and he also made numerous appearances on stage and television. In addition to his film work, Hope hosted the Academy Awards show 19 times, a record that stood at the time of his death. His extensive career also included television roles and stage productions.
Hope's acting credits include numerous films and television shows, with a total of 289 known credits. His filmography is extensive, and he appeared in a wide range of genres and roles. Hope's signature tune was the song "Thanks for the Memory," which became closely associated with his career.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
311 titles- Breakdown: 1975 (2025) as Self - Co-Host, 47th Academy Awards (archive footage)
- Sally (2025) as Self (archive footage)
- Rat Pack (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Kids' TV: The Surprising Story (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Boulevard! A Hollywood Story (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- Howard (2018) as Orville 'Turkey' Jackson (archive footage)
- Mansfield 66/67 (2017)
- This Is Bob Hope... (2017) as Self (archive footage)
- The Fabulous Allan Carr (2017) as Self (archive)
- O.J.: Made in America (2016) as Self (archive footage)
- Bob Hope: Entertaining the Troops (2016) as Self
- Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- Bing Crosby: Rediscovered (2014) as Self (archive footage)
- The Best of Johnny Carson (2010) as Self (archive footage)
- Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2 – The Christmas Specials (2010) as Self
- Dalí & Disney: A Date with Destino (2010) as Self (archive footage)
- 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year (2009) as Self (archive footage)
- Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas (2008) as Self
- The Best of Carson, Volume 1 (2006)
- Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer (2006) as Self (archive footage)
- Pioneers of Primetime (2005)
- Legendary Christmas Entertainers (2005) as Self
- Elf: Christmas in Tinseltown (2004) as Self (archive)
- Judy Garland: By Myself (2004) as Self (archive footage)
- Christmas in Hollywood (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- 100 Years of Hope and Humor (2003) as Self
- Bob Hope: The Road to Laughter (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- Biography: Bob Hope: America's Entertainer (2003) as Self
- Edith Head: The Paramount Years (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- Entertaining the Troops: Bob Hope & the USO (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- Bob Hope and the Road to Success (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1 (2001) as Self (archive footage)
- The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2 (2001) as Self (archive footage)
- Buñuel in Hollywood (2000) as Self (archive footage)
- Hollywood Musicals of the 40's (2000) as Self (archive footage)
- Television: The First Fifty Years (1999) as Self (archive footage)
- Hidden Hollywood II: More Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Vaults (1999) as (archive footage)
- Behind The Music: The Day The Music Died (1999) as Self (archive footage)
- The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts (1998) as Self - Roastee (archive footage)
- Vaudeville (1997) as Self (archive footage)
- The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender (1997) as Self (archive footage)
- Bob Hope: Laughing With the Presidents (1996) as Self - Co-Host
- The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies (1995) as Self (archive footage)
- Radio Star - Die AFN-Story (1995) as Self
- That's Entertainment! III (1994) as (archive footage)
- Liberation (1994) as Self (archive footage)
- A Century of Cinema (1994) as Self
- Shanks for the Memory (1994)
- That Little Monster (1994) as Bob Hope / Bob (uncredited)
- Bob Hope: The First 90 Years (1993) as Self
- Bob Hope's Bag Full of Christmas Memories (1993) as Self
- Murderers, Mobsters, & Madmen: Volume 6: Hollywood Police Files (1992) as (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Bob Hope's Four-Star Christmas Fiesta from San Antonio (1992) as Self
- Bob Hope's Four-Star Christmas Fiesta from San Antonio (1992) Executive Producer
- Pebble Mill (1991) as Self
- Stars and Stripes: Hollywood and World War II (1991) as Self
- Bob Hope's Christmas Cheer from Saudi Arabia (1991) as Self
- Bob Hope's Christmas Cheer from Saudi Arabia (1991) Executive Producer
- Dors: The Other Diana (1990)
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic (1990) as Self (archive footage)
- You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story (1990) as Self
- Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration (1990) as Self
- The Simpsons (1989) as Bob Hope (voice)
- The Jim Henson Hour (1989) as Self
- Bob Hope's Super Bowl Party! (1989) as Self
- Miss Piggy's Hollywood (1989) as Self
- Bob Hope's Love Affair with Lucy (1989) as Self - Host
- Bob Hope's Love Affair with Lucy (1989) Executive Producer
- The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind (1988) as Self (archive footage)
- Bob Hope's Jolly Christmas Show (1988) as Self
- Bob Hope's Jolly Christmas Show (1988) Executive Producer
- Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC (1988) as Self
- Irving Berlin's 100th Birthday Celebration (1988) as Self
- Just a Song and Dance (1987)
- Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood (1987) as Self
- A Masterpiece of Murder (1986) as Dan Dolan
- Classic Comedy Teams (1986) as Self (archive footage)
- Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special (1986) as Self
- All Star Party for Clint Eastwood (1986) as Self
- TV's Funniest Comedians - 14 Stars Do Classic Routines (1986) as Self
- The Golden Girls (1985) as Bob Hope
- Spies Like Us (1985) as Self
- Hollywood's Funniest All-Star Bloopers (1985) as Self (archive footage)
- Highway to Heaven (1984) as Sycopomp
- The Stars Salute the U.S. Olympic Team (1984) as Self
- It's Ho-Ho Hope's Jolly Christmas Hour (1984) as Self - Host
- Bob Hope's USO Christmas in Beirut (1984) as Self
- Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage (1983) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- James Bond: The First 21 Years (1983) as Self
- Happy Birthday, Bob! (1983) as Self
- George Burns Celebrates 80 Years in Show Business (1983) as Self
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982) as Self
- Let Poland Be Poland (1982) as Self
- Showbiz Goes to War (1982) as Self (archive footage)
- Women I Love: Beautiful But Funny (1982) as Self
- The George Burns (Early) Early, Early Christmas Special (1981) as Himself
- A Love Letter to Jack Benny (1981) as Himself
- Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters (1980) as Self
- A Tribute to Dr. Shock (1980) as Self (archive footage)
- Lucy Moves to NBC (1980) as Self
- The Muppet Movie (1979) as Ice Cream Vendor
- Leif (1979) as Self
- The Hollywood Clowns (1979) as Self (archive footage)
- Bob Hope on the Road to China (1979) as Self - Host
- Derby Fever USA (1979) as Self
- The Kennedy Center Honors (1978) as Self
- Mickey's 50 (1978) as Self
- NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of the Wonderful World of Disney (1978) as Self
- Pat Boone and Family: A Thanksgiving Special (1978) as Self
- Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy (1978) as Self
- The Royal Variety Performance 1977 (1977) as Self
- Ann-Margret: Rhinestone Cowgirl (1977) as Self
- The George Burns One-Man Show (1977) as Self
- The Bob Hope All Star Christmas Comedy Special (1977) as Host / Barf Vader
- The Shirley MacLaine Special: Where Do We Go from Here? (1977) as Self
- The Muppet Show (1976) as Self - Special Guest Star
- Donny & Marie (1976) as Self
- The Captain and Tennille (1976) as Self - Guest
- Joys (1976) as Self
- Joys (1976) Executive Producer
- Bob Hope's World of Comedy (1976) as Self - Host
- Bob Hope's World of Comedy (1976) Executive Producer
- NBC: The First Fifty Years (1976) as Self
- CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years (1976) as Self
- Bob Hope's Comedy Christmas Special (1976)
- Bob Hope's Bicentennial Star Spangled Spectacular (1976) as Self
- People's Choice Awards (1975) as Self - Presenter
- Mitzi & 100 Guys (1975) as Self
- Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (1975) as Self (archive footage)
- Texaco Presents: A Quarter Century of Bob Hope on Television (1975) as Self
- Dinah! (1974) as Self
- Hearts and Minds (1974) as Self (archive footage)
- The 1974 Annual Las Vegas Entertainment Awards (1974) as Self - Host
- The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts (1973) as Self
- Ann-Margret: When You're Smiling (1973) as Self
- The Bob Hope Mardi Gras Special (1973) as Self - Host
- Today: While You Were Away (1964-1973 Retrospective) (1973) as Commentator
- Midi trente (1972) as Self
- Richard (1972) as Self (archive)
- Cancel My Reservation (1972) as Dan Bartlett
- Cancel My Reservation (1972) Executive Producer
- Hollywood: The Dream Factory (1972) as Self (archive footage)
- Great Performances (1971) as Self
- V.I.P. Schaukel (1971) as Self
- Festival at Ford's (1971) as Self
- The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World (1971) as Self
- The Bob Hope Christmas Special (1971) as Self
- The Great Radio Comedians (1971) as Self (archive footage)
- Treffpunkte (1970) as Self
- Raquel! (1970) as Self
- Honor America Day (1970) as Self
- Swing Out, Sweet Land (1970) as Self
- Jack Benny's 20th Anniversary TV Special (1970) as Self
- The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour (1969) as Self
- The Johnny Cash Show (1969) as Self
- The Barbara McNair Show (1969) as Self
- How to Commit Marriage (1969) as Frank Benson
- Roberta (1969) as Huck Haines
- Roberta (1969) Executive Producer
- The Dick Cavett Show (1968) as Self - Guest
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self (uncredited)
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self (uncredited)
- Rowan & Martin at the Movies (1968) as Self
- The Dean Martin Christmas Show (1968) as Self
- The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell (1968) as Sgt. Dan O'Farrell
- The Bob Hope Christmas Special: Around the World with the USO (1968) as Self
- Carnival Nights (1968) as Self
- The Carol Burnett Show (1967) as Self (uncredited)
- The Carol Burnett Show (1967) as Self - Cameo Appearance (uncredited)
- The Danny Thomas Hour (1967) as Makeup Man
- Bob Hope Comedy Special (1967)
- Eight on the Lam (1967) as Henry Dimsdale
- The Oscar (1966) as Bob Hope
- The Pruitts of Southampton (1966) as Library Patron
- Not With My Wife, You Don't! (1966) as Self - USO Christmas Show (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Murder at N.B.C. (1966)
- Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! (1966) as Thomas J. 'Tom' Meade
- Get Smart (1965) as Room Service Attendant (uncredited)
- I'll Take Sweden (1965) as Bob Holcomb
- The Jack Benny Hour (1965) as Bob Hope / Marcello
- Bob Hope Christmas Show (1965) as Self
- Bob Hope Christmas Show (1965) Associate Producer
- The Hollywood Palace (1964) as Self
- A Global Affair (1964) as Frank Larrimore
- The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour (1964) as Bill Blakely
- Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963) as Self - Host
- Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963) Executive Producer
- Call Me Bwana (1963) as Matt
- The Sound of Laughter (1963) as Bing Fawcett - Plumber
- Critic's Choice (1963) as Parker Ballantine
- A Bob Hope Comedy Special (1963) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- The Merv Griffin Show (1962) as Self
- The Lucy Show (1962) as Plumber's Assistant
- The Road to Hong Kong (1962) as Chester Babcock
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self - Co-Host
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- The DuPont Show of the Week (1961) as Self
- Bachelor in Paradise (1961) as Adam J. Niles
- Project XX: The Story of Will Rogers (1961) as Self - Narrator
- The Bing Crosby Show (1961) as Self
- The Facts of Life (1960) as Larry Gilbert
- Hedda Hopper's Hollywood (1960) as Self
- Alias Jesse James (1959) as Milford Farnsworth
- Alias Jesse James (1959) Executive Producer
- Some of Manie's Friends (1959)
- Kraft Music Hall (1958) as Self
- The Dick Clark Show (1958) as Self
- The All-Star Christmas Show (1958) as Self
- Paris Holiday (1958) as Robert Leslie Hunter
- Paris Holiday (1958) Story
- Paris Holiday (1958) Producer
- Tonight Starring Jack Paar (1957) as Self
- The Thin Man (1957) as Self (uncredited)
- Frank Sinatra Show (1957) as Self
- Beau James (1957) as Mayor James J. 'Jimmy' Walker
- Tony Awards (1956) as Self
- The Steve Allen Show (1956) as Self - Guest
- Cinépanorama (1956) as Self
- That Certain Feeling (1956) as Francis X. Dignan
- Showdown at Ulcer Gulch (1956) as Influential Man
- The Iron Petticoat (1956) as Captain Chuck Lockwood
- The Awful Truth (1956) as Jerry Warner
- The Bob Hope Chevy Show (1956) as Himself/Ricky Ricardo
- Lucy's Really Lost Moments (1956) as Self
- Screen Director's Playhouse (1955) as Bob Hope (uncredited)
- The Seven Little Foys (1955) as Eddie Foy
- The Chevy Show (1955) as Self
- Playing Fields Association: Cricket (1955) as Self
- The Wonderful World of Disney (1954) as Self
- Casanova's Big Night (1954) as Pippo Popolino
- Project XX (1954) as Narrator
- The Oscars (1953) as Self
- Scared Stiff (1953) as Skeleton (uncredited)
- Here Come the Girls (1953) as Stanley Snodgrass
- The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) as Spectator (uncredited)
- Off Limits (1952) as Wally Hogan
- Road to Bali (1952) as Harold Gridley
- Son of Paleface (1952) as Peter Potter Jr.
- The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Bob Hope
- I Love Lucy (1951) as Bob Hope
- My Favorite Spy (1951) as Peanuts White / Eric Augustine
- The Lemon Drop Kid (1951) as Sidney Melbourne (The Lemon Drop Kid)
- What's My Line? (1950) as Self
- The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950) as Self
- The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950) as Self - Host
- The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self - Host
- The Jack Benny Program (1950) as Bob Hope
- The Jack Benny Program (1950) as Bob Hope / Clyde
- Lux Video Theatre (1950) as Self - Lux Video Theatre Guest
- Lux Video Theatre (1950) as Self - Intermission Guest
- You Can Change The World (1950) as Self
- Fancy Pants (1950) as Humphrey / Arthur Tyler
- Screen Actors (1950) as Self (uncredited)
- The Great Lover (1949) as Freddie Hunter
- Sorrowful Jones (1949) as Humphrey "Sorrowful" Jones
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
- The Paleface (1948) as 'Painless' Peter Potter
- Variety Girl (1947) as Bob Hope
- My Favorite Brunette (1947) as Ronnie Jackson
- My Favorite Brunette (1947) Writer
- My Favorite Brunette (1947) Producer
- Where There's Life (1947) as Michael Joseph Valentine
- Road to Rio (1947) as Hot Lips Barton
- Is Everybody Listening? (1947) as Bob Hope - Bob Hope Radio Program
- Road to Utopia (1946) as Chester Hooton
- Monsieur Beaucaire (1946) as Monsieur Beaucaire
- Hollywood Victory Caravan (1945) as Bob Hope
- Story of G.I. Joe (1945) as Bob Hope (Voice on Radio Program) (voice) (uncredited)
- The All-Star Bond Rally (1945) as Self - Host
- Road to Home (1945) as Self
- Golden Globe Awards (1944) as Self - Presenter
- The Princess and the Pirate (1944) as Sylvester the Great
- Memo for Joe (1944) as Self
- Combat America (1943) as Self
- A Welcome to Britain (1943) as Self (uncredited)
- Show-Business at War (1943) as Self
- They Got Me Covered (1943) as Robert Kittredge
- Strictly G.I. (1943) as Self - Master of Ceremonies
- Don't Hook Now (1943) as Self
- Let's Face It (1943) as Jerry Walker
- Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) as Bob Hope
- Road to Morocco (1942) as Orville Jackson
- My Favorite Blonde (1942) as Larry Haines
- Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 4 (1942) as Self
- Bob's Busy Day (1942) as Bob
- Nothing but the Truth (1941) as Steve Bennett
- Road to Zanzibar (1941) as Fearless
- Louisiana Purchase (1941) as Jim Taylor
- Caught in the Draft (1941) as Don Bolton
- The Ghost Breakers (1940) as Larry Lawrence
- Cavalcade of the Academy Awards (1940) as Self - Master of Ceremonies
- Road to Singapore (1940) as Ace Lannigan
- The Cat and the Canary (1939) as Wally Campbell
- Some Like It Hot (1939) as Nicky Nelson
- Never Say Die (1939) as John Kidley
- The Big Broadcast of 1938 (1938) as Buzz Fielding
- Give Me a Sailor (1938) as Jim Brewster
- Thanks for the Memory (1938) as Steve Merrick
- College Swing (1938) as Bud Brady
- Shop Talk (1936) as Robert Hope Jr.
- Calling All Tars (1936) as Bobby
- The Old Grey Mayor (1935) as Bob
- Double Exposure (1935) as Photographer / Robert
- Watch the Birdie (1935) as Bob
- Paree, Paree (1934) as Peter
- Soup for Nuts (1934) as Master of Ceremonies
- Going Spanish (1934) as Bob
- Bob Hope: The Vietnam Years 1964-1972 as Bob Hope
- Talking Comedy
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Bob Hope best known for?
Bob Hope is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including That's Entertainment! III (1994), Pebble Mill (1991), The Simpsons (1989), The Jim Henson Hour (1989).
When and where was Bob Hope born?
Bob Hope was born on May 29, 1903 in Eltham, London, England, UK. They passed away on July 27, 2003.
How many credits does Bob Hope have?
Bob Hope has accumulated over 311 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1934 to 2025.
What is Bob Hope's background in cinema and television?
Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope (May 29 1903 – July 27 2003) was an American comedian, actor and entertainer whose career spanned nearly eighty years. Born in the Eltham district of southeast London, he emigrated to the United States with his family at age four. Hope appeared in more than seventy short and feature films, star...